A former U.S. senator for Florida and a Republican is standing by the Democrat in the race for U.S. House District 7 in Central Florida.

In a video that the Bale Dalton campaign released on Thursday, former Sen. Mel Martinez announced he was endorsing Bale Dalton in the CD-7 race. The district includes parts of Seminole and Volusia counties.

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“I’ve known Bale all his life, I’ve known him since he was a young boy,” Martinez said. “I saw him go to the Naval Academy, and then I saw him serve in the U.S. Navy with great distinction, saving people from flooding waters after Katrina in New Orleans, to later going into very difficult areas like Afghanistan and Iraq, and flying helicopters into very dangerous situations.”

Martinez, a Cuban-American, served in the U.S. Senate from 2005 to 2009. Before that he was HUD secretary under President George W. Bush, and a former mayor of Orange County.

Martinez’s support is significant because it crosses party lines in a race that could offer a window into how voters are thinking about party loyalty.

“I am delighted that he now gives of himself to serve in the United States Congress. Bale is a person of great character,” Martinez.

[WATCH: Elijah and Dalton on the issues facing Florida’s 7th District]

Dalton, who also worked for NASA, is running against former news anchor and Republican Ryan Elijah, who unseated incumbent Cory Mills in the August primary. Mills was under fire amid investigations into ethics violations and sexual misconduct.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is among those endorsing Elijah.

There is also a Libertarian running in the race — Christopher Dennison.